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Prehistoric pile dwellings at Attersee - Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps

Seewalchen am Attersee, Austria
10.08.2019

Pfahlbauten am Attersee is a unique archaeological site located in Seewalchen am Attersee, a picturesque town in the heart of Austria. These prehistoric pile dwellings, also known as stilt houses, were built over 5,000 years ago and were discovered in the late 19th century during a period of low water levels in the lake.

The Pfahlbauten site is a fascinating glimpse into the way of life of the first settlers in the area. The remains of these ancient dwellings, including wooden piles, tools, and artifacts, provide valuable insights into the daily activities and customs of these early communities. The site also showcases the impressive engineering skills of these ancient people, who were able to construct stable and durable structures using simple tools and materials.

Visitors to Pfahlbauten am Attersee can explore a reconstructed stilt house and get a firsthand experience of what life was like for the early inhabitants of the area. The houses are built on stilts that stand in the crystal-clear waters of the lake, giving visitors a unique perspective of the architecture and construction techniques used by these ancient people. The site also features a museum with a collection of artifacts and interactive exhibits that further enhance the understanding of this rich cultural heritage.

In addition to the stilt houses, the surrounding area offers a stunning natural landscape with breathtaking views of the lake and the mountains. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the lake shore or hike up to the nearby hills for a panoramic view of the picturesque scenery.

Pfahlbauten am Attersee is not only a popular tourist destination but also a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting the significance and value of this archaeological treasure. Whether you are a history buff, nature lover, or simply looking for a unique and educational experience, a visit to Pfahlbauten am Attersee is a must-do when in Austria.


This serial property of 111 small individual sites encompasses the remains of prehistoric pile-dwelling (or stilt house) settlements in and around the Alps built from around 5000 to 500 B.C. on the edges of lakes, rivers or wetlands. Excavations, only conducted in some of the sites, have yielded evidence that provides insight into life in prehistoric times during the Neolithic and Bronze Age in Alpine Europe and the way communities interacted with their environment. Fifty-six of the sites are located in Switzerland. The settlements are a unique group of exceptionally well-preserved and culturally rich archaeological sites, which constitute one of the most important sources for the study of early agrarian societies in the region.

Prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps are a series of prehistoric pile dwelling (or stilt house) settlements in and around the Alps built from about 5000 to 500 BC on the edges of lakes, rivers or wetlands. In 2011, 111 sites located variously in Switzerland (56), Italy (19), Germany (18), France (11), Austria (5) and Slovenia (2) were added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. In Slovenia, these were the first World Heritage Sites to be listed for their cultural value.Excavations conducted at some of the sites have yielded evidence regarding prehistoric life and the way communities interacted with their environment during the Neolithic and Bronze Ages in Alpine Europe. These settlements are a unique group of exceptionally well-preserved and culturally rich archaeological sites, which constitute one of the most important sources for the study of early agrarian societies in the region.Contrary to popular belief, the dwellings were not erected over water, but on nearby marshy land. They were set on piles to protect against occasional flooding. Because the lakes have grown in size over time, many of the original piles are now under water, giving modern observers the false impression that they have always been this way. Climate change is changing the habitats of these sites.

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